U.S. patent application number 13/507644 was filed with the patent office on 2013-02-07 for e-commerce platform for extending the use of proprietary transponders and/or transponder accounts.
The applicant listed for this patent is Eliyahu Grinvald. Invention is credited to Eliyahu Grinvald.
Application Number | 20130032635 13/507644 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47626331 |
Filed Date | 2013-02-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130032635 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grinvald; Eliyahu |
February 7, 2013 |
E-commerce platform for extending the use of proprietary
transponders and/or transponder accounts
Abstract
Transponders and transponder accounts or cell phone devices with
large customer bases are modified to extend their use, particularly
those used to pay tolls (e.g., E-ZPass.RTM. with over 20 million
Transponders and 12 million transponder accounts), by creating an
e-commerce platform utilizing the large customer base and/or large
number of proprietary transponders in circulation for use in
combination with drive thru or without as: (i) payment sources for
retail transactions, vending machines, gated community entry/exit,
gas/car battery fill-up/replacement purchases; (ii) linking points
for use with computer devices related to a user's transponder
account (iii) verification method for order pickups/parking
reservation/parking subscription/special pricing, ATM machines;
(iv) access to customized menus, location specific preferences,
offers, VIP services, up-sale options and benefits and (v) receiver
for advertisements, coupons or other information; or (vi)
verification and payment method for self service (vii) social
network/Facebook.RTM. check-in/advertisement.
Inventors: |
Grinvald; Eliyahu;
(Englishtown, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Grinvald; Eliyahu |
Englishtown |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47626331 |
Appl. No.: |
13/507644 |
Filed: |
July 16, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61515299 |
Aug 4, 2011 |
|
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61534881 |
Sep 14, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
235/384 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 20/20 20130101;
G07B 15/063 20130101; G06Q 20/3278 20130101; G06Q 20/384 20200501;
G06Q 30/0207 20130101; G06Q 20/027 20130101; G06Q 20/227
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
235/384 |
International
Class: |
G07B 15/02 20110101
G07B015/02 |
Claims
1. A method for extending toll transponders and toll transponder
accounts by automatically deducting non-toll transactions from a
linked account comprising the steps of a. linking a payment account
with the toll transponder, and b. deducting non-toll transactions
from said account.
2. The method of claim 1 further including the step of periodically
replenishing said account.
3. A method for extending toll transponders and toll transponder
accounts by automatically deducting non-toll transactions from a
plurality of linked accounts comprising the steps of: a. linking a
plurality of payment accounts with the toll transponder; b.
selecting one of said payment accounts for a non-toll transaction;
and c. deducting non-toll transactions from said account.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein said payment account is selected
automatically.
5. A method of decoupling the toll payment account from a toll
transponder account to enable the use of toll transponders for
non-toll uses comprising the steps of: linking at least one
non-toll use to a toll transponder; and disabling said linked use
if said toll transponder is reported stolen.
6. The method of claim 1 further including the steps of
automatically fulfilling said non-toll transaction by selecting and
displaying stored customer previously purchased/or preferred
orders.
7. The method of claim 1 further including the step crediting a
customer account with rewards.
8. The method of claim 1 further including the step of
automatically checking in.
9. The method of claim 1 further including the step of
automatically presenting a customer with coupons.
10. The method of claim 1 further including the step of
automatically presenting a customer with advertisements.
11. The method of claim 1 further including the step of automatic
pick up of desired orders by delivery to the customer's
vehicle.
12. A method of extending the use of electronic devices which
generate an identification signal comprising the steps of detecting
said identification signal; linking at least two payment accounts
to recognize said identification signal; and automatically debiting
one of said payment accounts.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein said electronic device is an
RFID transponder.
14. The method of claim 12 wherein said electronic device is
Bluetooth.RTM., Wi-Fi, CDMA, GSM, Near Field Communications (NFC)
or any combination thereof.
15. A method of extending the use of proprietary systems utilizing
electronic devices which generate an identification signal
comprising the steps of linking forms of payment, preferences and
general information to the identification signal by customer
registration; and utilizing said customer registration upon
detection of said identification signal.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein said electronic device is an
RFID transponder.
17. The method of claim 15 wherein said electronic device is
Bluetooth.RTM., Wi-Fi, CDMA, GSM, Near Field Communications (NFC)
or any combination thereof.
18. The method of claim 15 wherein said customer registration is
utilized to automatically debit one of said forms of payment.
19. The method of claim 15 wherein said customer registration is
utilized to automatically provide rewards.
20. The method of claim 15 wherein said customer registration is
utilized to provide automatic check-in.
21. The method of claim 15 wherein said customer registration is
utilized to provide automatic receipt of advertisements.
22. The method of claim 15 wherein said customer registration is
utilized to provide automatic receipt of coupons.
23. The method of claim 15 wherein said customer registration is
utilized to provide order verification.
24. The method of claim 15 wherein said customer registration is
utilized to provide customer preferences, customer defaults, or
customer order history.
25. A method of extending the use of proprietary systems utilizing
electronic devices which generate an identification signal
comprising the steps of: automatically, without registration,
utilizing said identification signal to provide a customer with the
options of selection of previous customer orders at the point of
ordering; and/or offering customer up-sale options and/or other
offers and/or rewards and/or advertisements based on past purchases
and/or past utilizations of said identification signal.
26. A method of extending the use of proprietary systems utilizing
electronic devices which generate an identification signal
comprising the steps of: linking a computing device and/or cell
phone to said computing device and generating information
corresponding to said identification signal.
27. The method of claim 26 wherein said information is offers from
merchants.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Applicant claims priority of U.S. Provisional Applications
61/515,299 filed Aug. 4, 2011 and 61/534,881, filed Sep. 14,
2011.
BACKGROUND AND FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to the use of
transponders and transponder accounts with large customer base. In
particular, the system and methods herein described relate to the
extension of transponders and transponder accounts, particularly
those used to pay tolls (e.g., E-ZPass.RTM. with over 20 million
Transponders and 12 million transponder accounts), by creating an
e-commerce platform utilizing the large customer base and/or large
number of proprietary transponders in circulation for use in
combination with drive thru or without as: (i) payment sources for
retail transactions, vending machines, gated community entry/exit,
gas/car battery fill-up/replacement purchases; (ii) linking points
for use with computer devices related to a user's transponder
account (iii) verification method for order pickups/parking
reservation/parking subscription/special pricing, ATM machines;
(iv) access to customized menus, location specific preferences,
games, offers, VIP services, up-sale options and benefits and (v)
receiver for advertisements, coupons or other information; or (vi)
Verification and payment method for self service (vii) Social
network/Facebook.RTM. check-in/advertisement. Alternatively, the
systems and methods of the invention can be used with a cell-phone
carrier's customer base by utilizing the cell phone device as the
electronic identification signal generator.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0003] Fruend, published application 2003/0187787, Oct. 2, 2003
shows a payment system using RFID devices such as E-ZPass.RTM.
which allows transactions other then toll transactions to be
made.
[0004] Tuton, et al, published application 2005/0197976, Sep. 8,
2005 describes a toll payment system for fleet transactions where a
single fleet account indentifies separate vehicles as members of
the fleet.
[0005] Batra, published application 2007/0285256, Dec. 13, 2007
discloses a RFID tag.
[0006] Thibedeau, published application 2007/0276727, Nov. 29,
2007, Byerly et al, published application 2009/0036103, Feb. 5,
2009, Michaels, published application 2009/0262928, Oct. 23, 2008,
and Bryant, published application 2010/0280873, Nov. 4, 2010
automatically process manufacturers' coupons.
[0007] Rosenberg, published application 2008/0238610, Oct. 2, 2008,
utilizes smartcard devices in a variety of applications.
[0008] Clayman, published application 2009/0038609, Mar. 5, 2009,
and Chakris, et al., published application 2009/094583, read RFID
tags on products at the point of purchase.
[0009] Griffin, et al., published applications 2009/0193500, Jul.
30, 2009, 2009/0191811, Jul. 30, 2009, 2009/01922912, Jul. 30,
2009, and 2009/0192937, Jul. 30, 2009, involve the activation and
authorization of a near field communication device.
[0010] Castro Abrantes, et al., published application 2009/0202105,
Aug. 13, 2009, discloses an automatic license place recognition
system used in an electronic toll collection system.
[0011] Robinson, et al., published application 2010/0114675, May 6,
2010, is a vehicle toll collection and billing system for tracking
rental vehicles.
[0012] McElwaine, et al., published application 2010/0277321, Nov.
4, 2010 is an interactive marketing system sensing the presence of
an RFID device and displaying consumer information related to the
product associated with the detected RFID device.
[0013] Deitiker, et al., published application 2011/0047009, Feb.
24, 2011 disclose a toll collection system where the customer can
select among difference pre-registered payment options.
[0014] U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,574,603 and 7,201,315 disclose automated
service station systems.
[0015] PAYPASS.RTM. is a known payment system linking a mobile
device with a credit card.
[0016] The prior art discussed above neither expands the use of the
existing E-ZPass.RTM. system nor disclose the drive thru
functionality of this invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic overview of certain implementation
methods in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a certain exemplary payment choices
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a high level system diagram in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a high level system diagram in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0021] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an installation of the present
invention at a dry cleaning establishment.
DETAILED SPECIFICATION
[0022] The present invention generally relates to the use of
transponders. In particular, the system and methods herein
described relate to the extension of transponders, particularly
those used to pay tolls (e.g., E-ZPass Transponders), for use as:
(i) payment sources for retail transactions, vending machines, gas
purchases; (ii) verification method for order pickups, ATM
machines; (iii) access to VIP services, customized menus, offers,
up-sale options and benefits; (iv) Act as an identifier for showing
and/or receiving targeted advertisements, coupons or other
information through any selected medium (e.g., receipt, printed
label/printout, screen/bulletin board, linked device, linked
Facebook/Email/other account); and (v) Auto Facebook.RTM./other
social network check-in and/or customized advertisement/coupon
based on Facebook/social network account information.
[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
systems and methods herein described are accomplished through the
use of one or more transponders and/or transponder accounts.
Transponders, such as those utilized by E-ZPass, are commonly
battery powered RFID transponders, using active RFID read/write
technology (e.g., active Type II read/write technology) to listen
for a signal broadcast from a signal reader, usually at a toll
booth. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the system and
methods herein described would work with numerous transponder types
and transponder account types, and embodiments of the present
invention are contemplated for use with any type of electronic
devices which generate an identification signal and device account
type.
[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
systems and methods herein described are designed to extend the
functionality of transponders beyond the simple payment of tolls.
In this regard, the systems and methods described herein are
designed to allow one or more transponders and transponder accounts
to be transformed into a full-fledged payment, identification and
transaction system, whereby a user can utilize his/her transponder
and/or transponder account to partake in one or more non-toll
transactions. These and other features and advantages of the
present invention will be explained and will become obvious to one
skilled in the art through the description that follows.
[0025] Oftentimes a successful proprietary system begs to be
extended beyond its well defined cast-in-concrete boundaries to the
significant economic and life style benefits of the region where it
is operating. So is the case with transponders and transponder
accounts used to pay tolls, as is the case with E-ZPass and E-ZPass
accounts with its over 20 million transponders in circulation and
12 million transponder accounts.
[0026] Oftentimes the complexity of the proprietary transponder
based toll-payment system and/or transaction cost structure and/or
transaction speed of execution and/or length of fraud detection
and/or length of payment settlement and/or inability to guarantee
payment in the event of a non-paying customer and/or
replacement/transition cost and/or active contracts and/or
operation/organization complexity and/or security/privacy concerns
and/or complexity of division/allocation of customer account funds
and/or division/allocation of system/organization resources and/or
organization deadlocks prevent significant regional economic and
life style benefits from being utilized.
[0027] The current invention solves all these problems unlocking
the great economic and life-style potential by creating an
e-commerce platform loosely coupled at the organization, operation,
resource and system levels with the existing transponder and
transponder account organization, operation, resources and systems
as follows: [0028] 1. E-ZPass and/or other toll paying services
optionally allow non-toll services to be marketed to their
customers; [0029] 2. E-ZPass and/or other toll paying service
customers register with the platform linking their method of
payment and/or method of identification and/or preferences and/or
their proprietary transponder/transponder and/or account and/or the
e-commerce platform transponder/method of payment; [0030] a.
Optionally, in-addition and/or instead E-ZPass and/or other toll
paying service customers register through authorizing use of their
information by the e-commerce platform in which case E-ZPass and/or
other toll paying services, under customer direction and
authorization will provide the customer record to the e-commerce
platform for example through an exchange of feed files; [0031] 3.
E-ZPass Group and/or other toll paying services provide lost/stolen
tags feed periodically (e.g., on an hourly basis); [0032] 4.
E-ZPass Group and/or other toll paying service provide tag status
feed periodically (e.g., daily) showing which customers' tags are
no longer eligible to participate in their corresponding toll
paying service; [0033] 5. E-ZPass Group and/or other toll paying
services license the use of their Service Mark; [0034] 6. E-ZPass
Group and/or other toll paying services grant permission to
purchase readers; [0035] 7. The non-toll e-commerce platform
provider installs/maintains the equipment in the non-toll business
either directly or through a third party provider; [0036] 8.
Non-toll Customer/business support/service is handled by the
non-toll e-commerce platform provider either directly or through a
third party provider; and [0037] 9. A provision will be made in the
platform to exclude products not authorized by E-ZPass group or/and
other toll paying services such as Alcoholic beverages,
gambling.
[0038] The current invention benefits all stakeholders as follows:
[0039] 1. E-ZPass/Other toll paying groups--Receive economic
incentive/increased revenues with minimum amount to no additional
investment, efforts and risk; [0040] 2. E-ZPass/other toll paying
group customers save time, and enjoy personalization of service
received/product bought (e.g., showing a personalized menu at a
Quick Service Restaurant (QSR), linking a standing order to
recognition of arrival, get their coffee exactly as they like it),
and ability: [0041] a. Optionally, to use funds and/or preferences
allocated to a transponder with other method of payment/(e.g., NFC,
credit/debit/pre-paid card) and/or method of identification; [0042]
3. Businesses benefit from increased revenues as a result of faster
service and higher level of repeat buying; [0043] 4. Other service
providers utilizing the E-Commerce platform to offer additional
services such as: [0044] a. Centralized gated
community/condos/RV/Tractor Trailer parking access and/or
restricted area access based on any of platform customer recognized
method of identifications and method of payments, or [0045] b. Web
based food ordering utilizing the platform method of payment and
pickup arrival detection and linking to their order; [0046] 5.
Advertisers/Coupons Submission Businesses [0047] a. Allowing
neighboring businesses to use the e-commerce platform to submit
their coupon to be printed/shown on a display/forwarded to customer
linked device when a customer is detected at a POS based on
customer preferences, [0048] b. Neighboring businesses can use the
e-commerce platform to submit ad-hoc advertisement/coupon for
perishable or excess product capacity as the customer is physically
at a POS of a neighboring business and/or local to the region
(e.g., the system can recognize an out-of-town customer purchase in
the PM hours and offer an hotel stay promotion at a participating
neighboring hotel that currently has available rooms), or [0049] c.
Bulletin boards--customer preferences based advertisement and/or
notifications.
Account Linking
[0050] According to an embodiment of the present invention, to
maintain the separation of monies & systems designated for toll
payment, registration may be required for a transponder to
part-take in this system. During registration, customers link any
or all of the following: form of payment(s), preferences and
general information to their transponder(s) if they have one or a
new transponder and/or possibly a new form of payment (e.g.,
pre-paid card)
[0051] According to an embodiment of the present invention, users
may be provided the ability to link transponders and/or other
method of identifications with one or more methods of payments
(e.g., credit card account, debit card account, direct debit (ACH)
from a bank account). One of ordinary skill in the art would
appreciate that there are numerous methods for linking an account
to a method of payment, and embodiments of the present invention
are contemplated for use with any method of linking an account to a
method of payment. Additionally, the system may be configured to
receive prepayments and allow for standing account debits to be
used to pay for non-toll transactions.
[0052] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
system may be configured to allow a user the ability to link one or
more computing devices to their transponder account (e.g., E-ZPass
account), allowing the user to make payments for transactions with
any computing device they have linked to their transponder account.
One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that a computing
device appropriate for use with embodiments of the present
application may generally be comprised of one or more of a Central
processing Unit (CPU), Random Access Memory (RAM), and a storage
medium (e.g., hard disk drive, solid state drive, flash memory).
Examples of computing devices usable with embodiments of the
present invention include, but are not limited to, personal
computers, smart phones, laptops, mobile computing devices,
embedded computing devices and servers. One of ordinary skill in
the art would understand that any number of computing devices could
be used, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated
for use with any computing device.
[0053] According to an embodiment of the present invention, once a
user's transponder account is linked to the desired devices (e.g.,
transponder, smart phone, tablet PC), the system may utilize one or
more of the linked devices to participate in one or more
transactions as detailed herein. Not every merchant or transaction
type may be available to every linked device. The system may be
configured to determine whether a particular linked device is
appropriate for a particular transaction or transaction type. For
instance, a transponder without a display component may not be
appropriate for a transaction type requiring visual interaction
(e.g., display coupons).
Transaction Types
[0054] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
system is configured to allow the use of transponders, transponder
accounts, computing devices or any combination thereof in one or
more transaction types. Transaction types include, but are not
limited to, use of a transponder as a payment instrument for retail
transactions, use of a transponder as a payment instrument for gas
purchases, use of a transponder as a payment instrument at a
vending machine, use of a computer device linked to a transponder
account as a payment instrument for retail transactions, use of a
computer device linked to a transponder account as a payment
instrument for gas purchases, use of a computer device linked to a
transponder account as a payment instrument at a vending machine,
use of a transponder for identification of a user and verifying
order pickups, use of a transponder for ATM transactions; use of a
transponder to access VIP and customized menus, upsale offers,
services and benefits, use of a computing device to access VIP and
customized menus, upsale offers, services and benefits, use of a
transponder as a receiver for advertisements, coupons or other
information and use of a computing device linked to a transponder
account as a receiver for advertisements, coupons or other
information. Use of a device linked to a transponder account for
communication with a vendor, merchant, service provider, or kiosk
for the purpose of completing a transaction.
[0055] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a
transponder may be used as a payment source at any participating
and appropriately configured vendor, merchant, service provider or
a kiosk. The transponder may be configured to receive a signal from
said appropriately configured vendor, merchant, service provider or
kiosk. This signal will be provided by, for example, an
appropriately configured computing device, capable of interacting
with the transponder. The transponder, upon receiving the signal
may provide the user the ability to confirm and accept a
transaction associated with said signal either directly or via its
linked device.
[0056] Optionally, the transponder may be comprised of an input
component allowing for transactions to be approved only after
receiving the appropriate input from a user. An input component
could be, but is not limited to, a button, a keyboard, a touch
screen. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that
there are numerous input components that could be utilized with a
transponder in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention, and embodiments of the present invention are
contemplated for use with any input component.
[0057] According to an embodiment of the present invention,
payments made for non-toll transactions through the use of a
transponder may be automatically deducted from a linked account. In
this manner, the transponder account may be separate from the
linked account for the purpose of paying non-toll transactions. For
instance, if a user has linked their bank account with the
transponder, non-toll transactions may be directly deducted from
the bank account as opposed to being billed to the transponder
account. For an instance, a prepaid amount may be deducted from a
method of payment established with the linked account for payment
of non-toll transactions and replenished when a pre-defined
replenishment rule is activated
[0058] In yet another alternative embodiment, a user may select the
method of payment to use to pay for a non-toll transaction. For
instance, as a user may link several methods of payments to the
linked account, upon using the transponder for non-toll
transaction, the e-commerce system pre-defined rule may select
corresponding method of payment to be used for the transaction. For
instance, depending on where a transaction is made, a pre-defined
rule selects corresponding method of payment to be used for the
transaction. The linked method of payments may include, but not
limited to: credit/debit/prepaid card, the linked account
pre-payment money, direct debit from the user bank account,
[0059] By decoupling the payment account from the transponder
account, for non-toll payments, the systems and methods herein
described are capable of utilizing verification methods that exist
beyond the control of the transponder toll payment account. For
instance, if a transponder account expires or becomes suspended,
the transponder may still be able to pay for non-toll transactions
utilizing the transponder if the linked account is not also in the
same disabled or suspended state. That is not to say that the
linked accounts will always be active when the transponder account
enters a different state. For instance, if a transponder is
reported stolen, the linked account may be made aware of this (as
described below) and in this instance, the linked account would
also be disabled for use with the transponder in relation to
non-toll transactions. For instance, anti fraud measures not
necessarily significant for toll payment operation can be deployed
by the e-commerce platform.
[0060] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a
computing device linked to a transponder account may be used as a
payment source at any participating and appropriately configured
vendor, merchant, service provider or kiosk. The computing device
may be configured to receive a signal from said appropriately
configured vendor, merchant, service provider or kiosk. This signal
will be provided by, for example, an appropriately configured
merchant computing device, capable of interacting with the
computing device of the user. The computing device of the user,
upon receiving the signal may provide the user the ability to
confirm and accept a transaction associated with said signal.
Signals usable with a computing device include, but are not limited
to, Bluetooth.RTM., Wi-Fi, CDMA, GSM, Near Field Communications
(NFC) or any combination thereof. One of ordinary skill in the art
would appreciate that there are numerous signal types that could be
used with embodiments of the present invention, and embodiments of
the present invention are contemplated for use with any type of
signal type.
[0061] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a
transponder may be configured for use as an order verification
system. In this manner, the transponder would be configured to
communicate with a merchant to confirm the identity/account of a
user. This may be useful in situations such as pharmacies, ticket
booths, access control (RV/Tractor Trailer park/Gated
community/hotel parking/Condos parking/laundry pickup) and other
places where a user may be requested to identify themselves prior
to receiving a good or service from the merchant or be granted
access.
[0062] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a
computing device linked to a transponder account may be configured
for use as an order verification system. In this manner, the
computing device linked to the transponder account would be
configured to communicate with a merchant to confirm the
identity/account of a user. This may be useful in situations such
as pharmacies, ticket booths, access control (RV/Tractor Trailer
park/Gated community/hotel parking/Condos parking/laundry pickup)
and other places where a user may be requested to identify
themselves prior to receiving a good or service from the merchant
or be granted access.
[0063] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a
transponder may be configured for providing access to VIP benefits.
In this manner, the transponder may initially communicate with a
merchant system. Once the merchant system has identified the
transponder as belonging to someone who is to be provided VIP
benefits, the benefits may be made instantly available to the user.
For example, a parking lot may be equipped with a merchant system
capable of interacting with the transponder. Once the merchant
system confirms the transponder is associated with a user with
access to VIP benefits, the merchant system may provide access to
special parking areas or direct the user to spots reserved for
VIPs. Other VIP benefits include, but are not limited to, drive
thru check-in kiosks, hotel check-ins, VIP customer service areas,
car washes and airport lounges. One of ordinary skill in the art
would appreciate that there are numerous VIP benefits that may be
utilized in accordance with embodiments of the present invention,
and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use
with any VIP benefit.
[0064] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a
computing device linked to a transponder account may be configured
for providing access to VIP benefits. In this manner, the computing
device linked to a transponder account may initially communicate
with a merchant system. Once the merchant system has identified the
computing device linked to a transponder account as belonging to
someone who is to be provided VIP benefits, the benefits may be
made instantly available to the user. For example, a parking lot
may be equipped with a merchant system capable of interacting with
the computing device linked to a transponder account. Once the
merchant system confirms the computing device linked to a
transponder account is associated with a user with access to VIP
benefits, the merchant system may provide access to special parking
areas or direct the user to spots reserved for VIPs.
[0065] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a
transponder may be configured as a form of identification
triggering upon detection the display and/or submission and/or
printing of coupons or advertisements available from nearby
merchants or computing devices. For example, when using a
transponder to pay for a transaction, the merchant POS device may
print out coupons for use at a future transaction with the
merchant. In another example, as a user carries their transponder
by an interactive advertising kiosk (e.g., such as those contained
in shopping mall entrances) and/or bulletin-boards the interactive
advertising kiosk and/or bulletin-board may switch to an
advertisement that most closely matches a user's interests (e.g.,
based on a Facebook linked account profile and/or based on age,
gender or any other characteristic known to the transponder or
transponder account).
[0066] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a
computing device linked to a transponder account may be configured
to receive or provide access to coupons or advertisements available
from nearby merchants or computing devices. For example, when using
a computing device linked to a transponder account to pay for a
transaction, the merchant POS device may print out coupons for use
at a future transaction with the merchant. In another example, as a
user carries their computing device linked to a transponder account
by an interactive advertising kiosk (e.g., such as those contained
in shopping mall entrances) and/or bulletin-board the interactive
advertising kiosk and/or bulletin-board may switch to an
advertisement that most closely matches a user's interests (e.g.,
based on a Facebook linked account profile and/or based on age,
gender or any other characteristic known to the transponder or
transponder account).
[0067] Turning now to FIG. 1, a schematic overview in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention is shown.
Registration
[0068] As described, since the E-ZPass system is not designed for
commerce, the customer has to, 1, link his E-ZPass tag and other
information as required to the eCommerce system. The linking may
occur automatically. Customer consent is required. Some of the
eCommerce transaction types (e.g. rewards and offers) are based on
detection and do not require any additional information.
Communication with customers will be accomplished through the
cashier and/or a visible display. No payment method is
utilized.
[0069] Coupon providers, 3, have to register with the eCommerce
system to make their coupons available to eCommerce customers. A
business who would like to utilize the eCommerce platform to speed
up and personalize shopping experience and other car based (e.g.
parking, car wash) shopping channels have to register with the
eCommerce system, 5. Third party businesses partners have to
register 7 with eCommerce to offer advertisement, remote ordering,
rewards, auto check-in related program and/or other services to
eCommerce customers.
Transaction
[0070] After a customer registers with the eCommerce system, at
locations where the eCommerce is accepted, the customer presence is
detected based on his method of detection (e.g. E-ZPass tag) 9.
Customer default order, preferences, personalized coupon,
advertisement, access rights, linked payment method and other
information can all be used to offer a quicker, personalized and
expanded service, 11. Coupon providers can bid/purchase a time slot
or number of times when their coupons will be made available to
relevant customers at the order of their bidding price 13, customer
may use third party business partner software to remotely order or
reserve service/products and link the reservation to their
eCommerce account. Upon arrival at the merchant, the eCommerce
system will link their presence to their pending order for quicker,
personalized and expanded pickup service, 15. Upon detection of
presence or consuming a transaction eCommerce will credit customer
account with linked third party business rewards. In addition
eCommerce will use customer preferences to link customer choice of
payment method/reward card to consumed transaction
Batch
[0071] Other post transaction system activities will occur
asynchronously after transactions are completed, including 17,
settlement with/reporting to coupon/advertisement/reward/check-in
program providers and 19, settlement with the financial institution
or business providing the funding for the transaction.
[0072] In addition, 21, every so often information will be
exchanged between the closed system (e.g. E-ZPass system), and
eCommerce system to report stolen/lost method of detection
(e.g.-ZPass tags), delinquent account, closed account, closed
system (e.g. E-ZPass) customer registration information, eCommerce
transactions for settlements as if eCommerce joins the closed
system (e.g. E-ZPass system), and becomes a closed system (e.g. an
E-ZPass) approved agency for eCommerce customers toll payment
purposes.
Anti Fraud
[0073] As with any other payment card providers, 23, different
methods will be used to prevent fraud, including requesting
additional customer information for system verification or showing
additional customer information for merchant attendant verification
or other automatic means of monitoring account for any exceptions
to customer shopping behavior
Management
[0074] As shown at 25, all stakeholders (e.g., customers, merchant,
coupon providers, reward providers, check-in program providers,
advertisement providers, access control providers) will be able to
view their information and manage their eCommerce accounts on-line.
The same access, only read-only and filtered will be available to
customer service representatives.
[0075] Turning now to FIG. 2, a diagram of a certain exemplary
payment choices in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention is shown.
Payment Method Choices
[0076] As shown at 27, a customer is allowed to link another
pre-paid account to his existing method of detection device (e.g.
E-ZPass tag), creating a dual purse; one used by the closed system
(e.g. E-ZPass) for example, to pay for customer tolls and major
airport parking where E-ZPass is accepted and the other used by
eCommerce to pay for all other customer purchases at eCommerce
managed toll plazas and for non-toll purchases at location where
drive-thru is accepted upon eCommerce managed devices (e.g.-ZPass)
readers detecting a device (e.g. an E-ZPass tag)
[0077] As shown at 29, a customer is also allowed to use his
E-ZPass tag as a credit card where eCommerce extends credit to
customers for purchases made through their eCommerce-account-linked
detection device (e.g. E-ZPass tag).
[0078] As shown at 31, a customer is also allowed to create an
account with eCommerce in addition to their closed system (e.g.
E-ZPass) account. In their eCommerce account customer can link
method of payment(s) to their method of identification (e.g.
E-ZPass tag). Wherever eCommerce is accepted; customers using their
method of detection (e.g. E-ZPass tag) can make purchases through
their eCommerce account, charging their linked method of
payment(s)
[0079] As shown at 33, a customer is allowed to create an account
with eCommerce in addition to their closed system (e.g. E-ZPass)
account. In their eCommerce account customer can link method of
payment(s) to their method of detection (e.g. E-ZPass tag).
Wherever eCommerce is accepted; customers using their method of
detection (e.g. E-ZPass tag) can make small amount purchases
through their eCommerce account. At the end of the day or
pre-determined period of time the aggregation of their purchases
will be charged to their linked method of payment(s). Numeral 35
presents the option where small amount payments are charged
immediately to customer-linked methods of payment(s)
[0080] With reference to FIG. 3:
Architecture--Overview
[0081] As the core idea is to leverage the huge investment in
closed system devices (e.g. E-ZPass RFID tags with over 22 million
tags in circulation), assuming manufacturing, processing and
distribution cost ranges are from $8.90 to $25. As in NH it cost
$8.90 to $15
http://www.nh.gov/dot/org/operations/turnpikes/ezpass/index.htm:
and in NY: Tag deposit is $10 and replacement cost between $25 to
$33: https://www.e-zpassny.com/en/about/terms_ind.shtml. Using $10
as a benchmark, the investment in E-ZPass tags exceeds $220
million). The present invention unlocks this potential (e.g.
leveraging the E-ZPass tag investment for non-toll usages beyond
its current toll and limited parking usages and into commerce and
even beyond payment-only usages) by creating a dual purse linked to
the method of detection (e.g. E-ZPass tag) while optionally
maintaining loose coupling with closed system (e.g. the E-ZPass)
server processing infrastructure. To support the dual purse (i.e.,
each customer has two accounts: one maintained by the closed system
(e.g. E-ZPass), the other maintained by eCommerce while both
accounts are linked to the device (e.g. E-ZPass tag) the invention
provides architecture designed to detect the consumer's device
(e.g. an RFID tag) and process a generated transaction where a
transaction can be: [0082] A payment transaction, [0083] An
automatic reward transaction via an automatic check-in at the
account level and/or with a 3.sup.rd party system (e.g.,
Facebook.RTM., FourSquare.RTM., as part of a game) [0084] Receiving
an advertisement/coupon via a linked mobile device (e.g.,
cell-phone) or linked application (e.g., smart phone application)
or linked account (e.g., email, SMS) or via billboard or via a
large display or via a GPS system [0085] Showing customer
preferences, default, previous, or currently placed order
Architecture
[0086] As a consumer method of detection (e.g. an E-ZPass RFID tag)
is detected by the reader (e.g. RFID reader) 39, information
related to the linked eCommerce account is communicated to the
local terminal, 37. The flow may go from: [0087] The reader sending
the identification signal id (e.g. E-ZPass transponder tag ID)
directly to the central server (e.g., Cloud based server)
application 41 and from the application sending linked account
information to the local, on site terminal 37 which may be realized
as: credit card terminal, point of sale (POS), register, eCommerce
terminal, or other third party terminals; [0088] Or, may go from
the reader 39 sending the identification signal id (e.g. E-ZPass
transponder tag ID) to the terminal 37 and from the terminal
sending a request to get linked account information to the
application server 41 returning tag-id linked account
information.
[0089] Once the terminal receives the customer linked account
information it may show any combination of the following: [0090]
Customer information (e.g., name, picture, car license plate
number, car type/color) [0091] Customer order and/or selected
previous order(s) [0092] Preferences [0093] Personalized
offers/coupon/advertisement/notifications/other messages (e.g.,
social media messages, third party messages).
[0094] The information may be shown on local screen and/or a
detached screen 63, a printer 61, and/or on a customer mobile
device, 49, 47.
[0095] The information may also be communicated to a third party
business partner 45 for up-to-the-minute communication between the
third party business partner and the customer (e.g., last minute
offers, notifications, rewards, check-in, game scenario) either
directly or through Drive thru architecture components.
[0096] Another option is that once the terminal receives the
customer linked account information either the attendant or the
customer will be requested to enter customer personal
identification which will be sent to server for further
identification or to confirm identification or selection of the
communication to be received back (e.g., a customer may have a
standing option triggered via the key code, or can be part of a
game or can be part of identifying the customer when more than 1
customer profile are linked to the same RFID tag.
[0097] Or, additional customer identification can be collected via
a camera 59 or a license plate camera and digitizing system (e.g.,
Automatic License Plate Recognition System (ALPR) system) or a
mirror 57 positioned in a way to show customer's car/vehicle
license plate.
[0098] Another option is that the customer will receive
communication on his mobile device, 47, 49, as soon as his device
(e.g. RFID tag) is detected for further id confirmation and/or
additional messages and/or additional dialog and/or confirmations,
also possibly directly or indirectly from third party business
partners and/or friends.
[0099] Another option is for the back-end application 41 to
communicate directly with customer mobile device 47, 49 upon
detection by the reader and/or to facilitate communication with
third party business partners and/or friends 45.
[0100] The back-end application 41 has a persistence module 43 to
store transaction information and/or store event information and/or
retrieve information linked to customer account.
[0101] In addition the back-end application 41 may run on a web
server shown in 41 to facilitate communication with the
outside.
[0102] In addition, the back-end application 41 will use a payment
gateway 51 to process payment.
[0103] If E-ZPass is the closed system, as currently all
communication among and with E-ZPass agencies is done via a File
Transfer Protocol (FTP) 53, the back-end application will use FTP
to process payment from/to other E-ZPass agencies 55 in the event
eCommerce decides to process payment through the closed system
(e.g. when processing toll payment or airport parking payment),
and/or receive a file from a closed system (e.g. E-ZPass agency)
for payment in the event where eCommerce processes payment for
other closed systems (e.g. other E-ZPass agencies) eCommerce
becomes an E-ZPass agency and when a eCommerce customer goes
through a E-ZPass toll plaza, the owner agency will send request
for payment from eCommerce and/or receive a file from another
E-ZPass agency for payment processing as per that agency payment
requirement.
[0104] Also, communication with closed system (e.g. E-ZPass) 55
over FTP 53 may include receiving/reporting lost/stolen tags
delinquent/closed accounts.
[0105] Turning now to FIG. 4, a high level system diagram in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown.
FIG. 4 depicts: [0106] 1. At 65, a transponder account that may be
extended beyond transponder (meaning: not only a transponder as a
method of identification and not only a single method of payment)
with multiple method of identifications and payments linked to the
same account; [0107] 2. An e-commerce platform may install various
ID readers 67 and/or method of payment transaction processing
machines, 69, at POS, at its own Kiosk (may be located at a parking
lot of a mall), ATM/vending machine, access gates shown in 69;
[0108] 3. One or more methods of payment 65 can also be used as a
method of identification and vice versa; [0109] 4. The e-commerce
platform may support various communication channels with its
customers including but not limited to, large/small Monitor, pad,
personal devices (e.g. iPad.RTM., cell phone, smart phone), sms,
email, as shown at 69; [0110] 5. The e-commerce platform may
support an open API, 81, to allow third party providers to utilize
customer preferences and method of payments and method of
identifications; [0111] 6. As shown at 71, for example, last minute
coupons may be submitted by businesses to neighboring/designated
businesses, so when a customer arrives and detected by the
e-commerce platform the submitted coupon can be offered to the
customer either electronically or physically printed out. The
coupon may be an ad-hoc one offering perishable items and/or excess
capacity and only be offered for a limited time or until removed;
and [0112] 7. The e-commerce platform interface with the issuing
bank, 79, will allow sharing of the same funds among various
methods of payments. Form of payments information may be stored,
for instance, in PCI DSS certified storage either directly on the
e-commerce platform or at a 3.sup.rd party gateway. Interfacing
with E-ZPass or Other Closed System, 82.
[0113] Some exemplary methods for interfacing with E-ZPass or other
closed systems include, but are not limited to: [0114] 1. E-ZPass
and/or other closed system may be configured to allow non-toll
services to be marketed to their customers; [0115] 2. E-ZPass
and/or other closed system customers may be provided a method to
register with the eCommerce platform and/or direct and authorize
E-Zpass and/or other closed system to provide their record or part
of their record to the eCommerce platform; [0116] 3. E-ZPass Group
and/or other closed system may be configured to provide lost/stolen
tags feed periodically (e.g., on an hourly basis); [0117] 4.
E-ZPass Group and/or other closed system may be configured to
provide device (e.g. tag) status feed periodically (e.g., daily)
showing which customers' devices (e.g. tags) are no longer eligible
to participate in their corresponding toll paying service; [0118]
5. E-ZPass Group and/or other closed system may license the use of
their Service Mark; [0119] 6. E-ZPass Group and/or other closed
system may grant permission to purchase readers; [0120] 7. One or
more non-closed business (e.g. non-toll) platform providers may
install/maintain equipment in a non-closed (e.g. non-toll) business
either directly or through a third party provider [0121] 8.
Non-closed customer/business (e.g. toll customer business)
support/service may be handled by the non-closed system (e.g.
non-toll) platform provider either directly or through a third
party provider; and [0122] 9. A provision may be made in a platform
to exclude products/services not authorized by the closed system
(e.g. E-ZPass group) such as alcoholic beverages or gambling.
[0123] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an installation of the present
invention at a dry cleaning establishment. A two phase transaction
is supported for payment and express registration transactions
where the first phase is the same in both transaction types. The
steps of phase 1 are: [0124] 1. The E-ZPass RFID tag in approaching
car is detected by the RFID reader 83; [0125] 2. The RFID reader 83
sends the E-ZPass RFID tag ID to a credit card terminal 85 in the
store; [0126] 3, Credit card terminal 85 sends the E-ZPass RFID tag
ID to a centralized server 87 on the Amazon.RTM. cloud; [0127] 4.
If the E-ZPass RFID tag is registered with the drive thru service,
the server 87 responds with customer name and preferences which the
credit card terminal 85 shows on a screen. If not registered,
server 87 responds that tag is not registered and the credit card
terminal 85 offers the cashier the option to express register the
customer's E-ZPass RFID tag id with the drive thru service (e.g.,
eCommerce). If tag is registered, credit card terminal offers 85
the cashier the option to pay using the customer tag ID's linked
credit card.
[0128] The steps of phase 2, payment flow, are: [0129] 1. If the
cashier press the pay button or express register button on the
credit card terminal 85, phase 2--payment flow, of the transaction
begins; [0130] 2. For a pay transaction credit card terminal 85
requests the cashier to enter the transaction amount, customer last
4 digits of account registered cell-phone and press the submit
button. When submit button is pressed, credit card terminal 85
triggers reader 83 to read toll tag ID and when it receives the
toll tag ID again it verifies that it is the same as the original
one. If it is the same as the original one and entered last 4
digits of cell-phone are valid, credit card terminal submits the
transaction for authorization to the centralized server 87 which
matches the tag id with account method of payment. chooses the
method of payment to charge and sends it with the amount to the
merchant designated payment processor 89; [0131] 3. The
approved/decline response received from the payment processor 89 is
stored and communicated back to the credit card terminal 85; [0132]
4. All transaction information is recorded on the server side.
[0133] The express registration steps are: [0134] 1. If cashier
presses the express registration button then the terminal 85
requests the cashier to: [0135] Swipe a credit card to be linked as
a payment of method to the tag ID; [0136] Enter customer cell-phone
number, customer last 4 digits of toll tag ID and optionally
transaction amount; and [0137] Click the submit button. [0138] 2.
Terminal 85 validates last 4 digits of tag ID against the tag ID
read and submits the information to the centralized server 87;
[0139] 3. The centralized server 87 records transaction information
and submits for payment; authorization if amount is greater than
zero to merchant designated payment processor 89; [0140] 4. A
decline or approved response is communicated back to the credit
card terminal 85 with an express registration key which the
customer may use to express register on the drive thru (i.e.,
eCommerce) web site. The customer can also use the credit card
number used at the time of express registration and cell phone's
last 4 digits to express register on the drive thru (i.e.,
eCommerce) web site.
[0141] Instead of E-Z Pass as a closed system, a cell-phone carrier
closed system where all aspects of the invention remain the same,
links a payment account to the CDMA/GSM signal device ID.
[0142] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other
embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those
skilled in the art from this detailed description. The invention is
capable of myriad modifications in various aspects, all without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded as
illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
* * * * *
References